Native American, Pacific Northwest Coast, United States or Canada, Tlingit people, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. This is a stunning walrus ivory pendant charm in the shape of an orca (killer whale) in a characteristic stylized form and inlaid with nacre shells. To the sides of the whale on the dorsal fin and stomach are a pair of crouching anthropomorphic figures. The orca's eye, pectoral fin, tail, and one human figure are inlaid with shimmering nacre to highlight and accent the polished white ivory surface. Shamans wore protective pendants or charms such as this piece that were imbued with power from sacred animals and ancestral emblems during healing rituals. The charm would hold and protect the ill person's soul and under the arm of the dorsal figure is a suspension hole for securing this amulet as a pendant when used in these ceremonies. Size: 4.25" L x 1.75" W (10.8 cm x 4.4 cm)
For a similar example and more information about these amulets, please see the Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number: 2021.434.20.
This is an ESA antique exempt piece of ivory and cannot be sold internationally or to anyone residing in the states of California, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington. We guarantee that the piece was made prior to 1972.
Provenance: private Brevard, North Carolina, USA collection
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
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we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#171010
Condition
Natural black striations in surface. Extremely minor chips to ivory and shell, otherwise intact and choice. Polished and smooth surface.